EFL Division 1: Wantirna South snaps three-game losing streak

The season remains alive for Wantirna South after claiming a timely scalp in the EFL’s Division 1. Here’s how the Devils did it ...

The Devils remain in the hunt.

Wantirna South’s 11-point scalping of Beaconsfield on Saturday has bridged the gap on its Division 1 rivals, sitting mere percentage off fifth spot.

The Devils occupy eighth on the ladder with a 4-6 return, with Bayswater (seventh), Montrose (sixth) and Beaconsfield (fifth) directly above it – with Montrose (4-7) having played an extra match.

They snapped a three-game losing streak and put paid to Beaconsfield’s plans of jumping two games clear in fifth.

Senior coach Steve Cochrane said the win couldn’t have come at a better time for his charges, after lamenting a host of close losses earlier this season.

Senior coach Steve Cochrane says Saturday’s win couldn’t have come at a better time. Picture: Wantirna South FC

Montrose (one point), Croydon (five points), Mitcham (one point) and Lilydale (11 points) have made up four of the Devils’ six defeats.

“We’ve had a few close losses in the first half of the year, so to be able to get on the positive side of the ledger this time around was pretty much what the doctor ordered leading into the second of the year,” Cochrane said.

“There’s been Montrose, Croydon, Lilydale and Mitcham … all been where we’ve been in front at times, and at times well in front throughout the game but certainly in front with 10 minutes to go and (we) haven’t been able to hold on.

“It’s been disappointing not to at least win half of those, but it shows we’re competitive with those sides.”

A Lincoln Wong-inspired Wantirna South dug itself out of a five-goal deficit on Saturday, hitting back from margins of 19, 17 and 11 at each break.

Cochrane said Wong’s work through the midfield “was one of the driving forces behind our surge back into the game”, finishing best afield with two goals.

Lincoln Wong on the burst for the Devils on Saturday. Picture: Wantirna South FC

“When the chips were down and we needed to lift, he was the one who really dug in deep as he always does and won some critical ball, (and) hit the scoreboard at times when we needed it,” Cochrane said.

“The boys showed some great resilience to grind their way back into the game and run over the top of Beaconsfield in the last quarter

“We just tried to remain positive, tried to use the corridor as much as we could and win the stoppages.

“It was our ball-use letting us down, and as our ball-use got a bit better, our confidence and our run started to improve and then we started getting some nice ball into our forwards.”

Coach Steve Cochrane said a lift in ball-use helped his side back into the match. Picture: Wantirna South FC

Liam Hewett led the Devils’ charge in attack with four majors, and the coach lauded the emerging talent’s season to date which has netted 22 goals from 10 matches.

“He’s only a young man and he’s still finding his feet,” Cochrane said.

“He had a huge pre-season, does a lot of the extras and really keen on his footy. He’s a huge talent that’s got a massive future in senior footy – he’s been a shining light for us this year.”

Wantirna South is away to Montrose in Round 11.